ALMOST two-thirds of drivers are using their fog lights incorrectly, according to new research by online marketplace eBay.

According to the DVSA, fog lights should be used when visibility is less than 100m, but more than 13 per cent of Brits said that they use them when visibility drops below 300m, which could put them at risk of an on-the-spot £50 fine.

These research findings come after the clocks went back, shortening the days and as the weather worsens, making roads more dangerous.

When it comes to routine maintenance, 15 per cent of drivers check their fog lights monthly, while nearly a quarter (24 per cent) admitted to never checking their lights, relying instead on the annual MOT test to make sure they're functioning properly.

Drivers caught with faulty or non-working vehicle lights can face a fixed penalty of £50 with no points, or up to £1,000 and three penalty points in more serious cases, such as when driving in the dark.

The lack of understanding around when to use lights extends to the main headlights, with nearly half of drivers (the equivalent of 20 million cars on British roads) stating they use their ‘full beam' headlights when it's dark, irrespective of whether there are oncoming cars.

Drivers guilty of dazzling other road users by using the wrong light settings, such as full beam headlights, are at risk of being charged for ‘Driving Without Due Care and Attention', resulting in a £100 fine and three penalty points.

A fifth also said they would be uncomfortable sourcing replacement headlight bulbs. To combat this, motorists can find the right bulbs for their vehicle this winter using eBay's My Garage function, which prompts customers to input the registration or make and model of their vehicle.

Abir Tewari, UK director of commercial operations, parts and accessories at eBay, said:As the days get shorter, more motorists will be making journeys in the dark. It is important that all drivers know when to use the appropriate lights on their vehicle and how to keep them maintained. At eBay, we embrace the spirit of DIY, and our My Garage and Assured Fit functions help motorists of all skill levels carry out essential maintenance by identifying exactly the right parts for their vehicle."

According to an DVSA DOI request, which took MOT test data from June 2024 - June 2025, there were 4,550,226 failures recorded because of issues with lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, with 4,359,481 of those relating specifically to lamps.

The top five most common failures with ‘lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment' were:

A total of 31,488 failures were recorded because of issues relating to front and rear fog lamps, showing that the issue can result in a failed MOT.